Dispenser for gummed tape



June 5, 1963 T. H. KRUEGER ETAL DISPENSER FOR GUMMED TAPE Original FiledSept. 25, 1953 I V M A T70P/VEYS June 1968 'r. H. KRUEGER ETAL 3,389,681

DISPENSER FOR GUMMED TAPE 3 Sheets-5heet 2 Original Filed Sept. 25, 1963R. 6. M s s mfi 7m N H R m3 0 m; m j 5, k7 2 06% mM 4 88/040 05% 7% /WEM f 4 f i I 82 2 w w 8 m MI 6 w (6 I /9 W M a a 8 0 7 June 1968 "r. H.KRUEGER ETAL DISPENSER FOR GUMMED TAPE e5 5 i M s a mam (/m m TU H r N sMe R W w; @m w rf A mm M .0 fi M M Original Filed Sept. 25, 1963 UnitedStates Patent 3,389,681 DISPENSER FOR GUMMED TAPE Theodore H. Krueger,Stratford, and Everett E. Sharpe,

Shelton, Conn, assignors to Better Packages, inc a corporation ofDelaware Continuation of application Ser. No. 311,542, Sept. 25,

1963. This application Mar. 8, 1967, Ser. No. 621,712

9 Claims. (Cl. 118-44) ABSTRACT 0F THE DISCLOSURE A device fordispensing selected lengths of tape includes means for orienting acreasing attachment in respect to the moistening element of thedispenser. In one embodiment of the invention the creasing attachment ismounted between a support extending outwardly from the tape dispenserand an attachment directly to a pressure plate which is pivoted over themoistening element and beneath which the tape is fed. In addition to thecreasing attachment there is provided means for supporting the tapealong with the creasing means so that it extends outwardly from thedispenser in a position so that the tape may be grasped by the user. Thecreasing means comprises only a single set of rollers with one of therollers being engaged in a groove of the other roller so that when thetape is fed therebetween, it causes a creasing of the tape in alongitudinal direction substantially centrally between the sidesthereof. The single roller set also holds the tape in conjunction with asimple support plate which is mounted so that the tape may be fed toextend outwardly to relatively great length. The support plate includestwo plate elements which engage the tape on opposite sides of the creaseline and provide a support therefor.

Summary of the invention This application is a continuation of Ser. No.311,542 filed Sept. 25, 1963, and now abandoned.

This invention relates to dispensers for gummed tape and especially todispensers having means for creasing or forming the tape into a V-shapeas it is dispensed so that it will be dispensed in a substantiallystraight line which will be maintained during the actual dispensingoperation. The straight strip of tape is cut oif and may be readilyhandled by the operator and applied to the carton or other package whichis to be sealed. The invention may be used in connection with any kindof gummed tape, such as pressure sensitive tape or tape to which wetglue is applied as it is dispensed. It is particularly applicable,however, to the dispensing of dry gummed tape which is moistened as itis dispensed. The invention may be used with any type of dispensingmachine, either manual or power operated, but it is especially useful inconnection with power operated dispensers in which means are providedfor delivering measured lengths of tape. For example, the invention maybe used with a dispenser in which preselected lengths of tape aredispensed by means of a push button control or the like as shown, forexample, in the US. Patent to T. H. Krueger, No. 2,994,464 or in a typeof machine from which measured lengths are repeatedly delivered such asshown, for example, in Kruegers US. Patent No. 3,097,776.

In machines of the types specified, the dry gummed tape is pushedforward by feeding rollers and passes through a moistening couple whichmoistens the gum. Such a moistening couple as shown in the patentsmentioned comprises an inverted brush which is kept wet by being mountedin a tank of water, the tape passing 3,389,581 Patented June 25, 1968'ice between the tips of the brush bristles and under a pressure platewhich presses the tape against the ends of the bristles with the desiredpressure. It is a characteristic of brush moisteners of this type thatthe pressure plate which rests by gravity on the brush will occupy aposition determined by the length and stiffness of the bristles. As themachine is used, the bristles get softer and Wear off, so that thepressure plate gradually assumes a lower position. The line in which thetape is delivered will therefore gradually change during the use of themachine and in order that the tape may be properly aligned with the tapecreasing or forming instrumentalities, it is a particular feature of thepresent invention that the tape creasing instrumentalities will alsochange in position in accordance with the movement of the pressureplate. This may be accomplished by mounting the tape creasinginstrumentalities directly on the pressure plate or by providingconnections with the pressure plate such that as the plate moves, thetape creasing instrumentalities will move correspondingly.

It is therefore an important object of the present invention to providetape creasing o-r forming instrumentalities so associated with thepressure plate of the moistening couples to vary in position inaccordance with the position of the pressure plate and therefore providecorrect alignment at all times of the tape entering the tape forminginstrumentalities.

It is a further object of the invention to provide the tape creasing orforming instrumentalities in the form of an attachment which may bereadily applied to a standard tape dispensing machine without requiringchange or reconstruction of such machines.

Various types of gummed tapes are used which differ in their weight andthickness, some tapes being quite flexible and others very stiff suchas, for example, tape reinforced with an asphalt layer incorporatedtherein or with other stiff reinforcing means. The nature of thecreasing or tape forming instrumentalities must be adapted to the typeof tape being dispensed and it is accordingly an object of the inventionto provide a tape forming or creasing attachment which may be modifiedin various ways to handle different types of tapes which may beencountered. These variations of the tape creasing or formingattachments can best be described in connection with the detaileddescriptions of examples of the invention illustrated.

Other and further objects of the invention will appear from thefollowing descroption of preferred embodiments of the invention chosento illustrate the principles thereof.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the invention as applied to a tapemachine of the type shown in Krueger Patent No. 2,993,464. This figureshows the dispensing machine as provided with all three assemblies ofthe tape forming device including the tape creasing assembly, the tapesupporting assembly and the mounting bracket assembly;

FIG. 2 is a vertical longitudinal section of the parts shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the parts of the invention shown in FIGS. 1 and2;

FIG. 4 is a transverse sectional view at the position indicated by line4-4 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a similar view of the position indicated by line 55 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation of the parts shown in FIGS. 1 and 2illustrating the projection of a long piece of tape;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6 showing the tape creasing and tapesupporting assemblies carried directly by the pressure plate of themoistening couple, the mounting bracket assembly being omitted;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7 showing the tape support assemblyomitted; and

FIGS. 9, 10, ll, 12 and 13 are diagrammatic cross sections showingsuccessive stages in the forming of a tape into a V cross section.

Referring to the drawings in detail, the invention is shown as appliedto a push button tape dispenser of the form shown in Krueger Patent No.2,994,464. In this machine the tape 29 is pulled from a supply roll oftape (not shown) by feed rollers 22; and 24, one or both of which beingdriven from a motor (not shown) contained in the machine, and is pushedover tape cutting means comprising a fixed ledger blade 26 and a movableblade 28 which cuts off the tape when the feeding stops. The particularlength of tape to be delivered at an operation is determined byselection of one of the push buttons 30 in the manner described in theabove-mentioned patent. When the predetermined length of tape has beendelivered, the feed stops and the cutter 28 is brought down so as toshear off the tape against the blade 26. During the feeding operation,the tape passes under the raised cutter blade and through the moisteningcouple comprising the inverted brush 32 mounted in a water tank 34 andthe pressure plate 36 which is pivotally mounted on pivot 3%, itsposition being determined by its engagement with the tips of the brushbristles or with the tape which is between the pressure plate and thebrush bristles. As the brush bristles become more bent or wear away, thenormal posi tion of the pressure plate will be lowered and this changein position takes place progressively during the lifetime of the brush.In the instance shown, the pressure plate is provided with an electricheater 40 which heats the tape and the gum thereon at the time when itis passing over the brush, thereby to soften and to more efiectivelymoisten the gum. The heating of the tape may also end to make the tapesomewhat more flexible. In the construction shown, the pressure plate 36also carries an upwardly projecting flange 41.

The tape forming or creasing attachment 42 comprises a U-shaped frame44, the sides of which are joined by a back or cross portion 45 and byseveral cross shafts 46, 48 and 50. The path for the tape coming fromthe moistening couple is formed between an L-shaped plate 52, carried bythe back 45, the horizontal extension of which is of generallytriangular shape, as indicated at 54 and the sides thereof converge inthe direction of tape feed. The tape passes under this extension ortongue 54 and over the upper edges of a pair of guide rails 56 carriedby the cross shafts 46 and 50. The upper edges of the guide rails areparallel with the tongue 52 for a short distance and then curveupwardly, as indicated at 58. The tape is centered in respect to therounded end or apex of the plate 54 as it is fed thereby. The rails 56guide the advancing tape into a curved or V-shape in cooperation withthe triangular part 54 of the plate 52. The shaft also carries a groovedroller 60 which preferably has a round bottomed groove 62 therein intowhich the tape is guided by the rail portions 56 and 58, the tape beingengaged primarily by the edge portions 63 of the groove. The shaft 48carries a roller 64 with a sharpened V-shaped periphery which pressesthe tape into the space between the edge portions 63 of the roller 60and thereby creases the same into a more-or-less sharply formed V, inwhich form the tape issues from the machine. This V-shape of the tapedisposes it to resist binding so that it will be projected for asubstantial distance in a practically straight line. The length obtainedwhich will maintain itself in a position of substantial straightnessdepends, of course, upon the weight and thickness of the tape, thedistance through which it may be projected being the greater the stifferthe tape.

The rollers 60, 64 are preferably made of a plastic, such as nylon,which is durable and light and which has the property of not beingstrongly adhered to by the moistened gum on the tape or the rollers maybe made of metal or other material coated with polytetrafluorethylene orits equivalent. This applies particularly to the grooved roller 60 whichengages directly with the moistened gum.

The U-shaped frame 44 carrying the triangular tongue 54 and the rails56, the transverse shafts and the rollers 60 and 64 may be referred togenerally as the creasing assembly. In FIGS. 1 to 6, the creasingassembly is shown as mounted on a mounting bracket assembly comprisingtwo substantially L-shaped plates 70 which are attached to the frame 72of the dispenser by means of screws 74 and 76. They are also preferablyconnected together by a cross shaft 78 and at their upper ends haveholes 80 formed therein. The sides of the U-shaped frame of the creasingassembly are provided with studs 82 locked in position by nuts 84 andhaving outwardly projecting pivot ends 86 which fit in the holes 80 inthe ends of the bracket plates 70. The rear wall 45 of the U-shapedframe 44 carries a rearwardly projecting pin 88 which bears on theupwardly projecting flange 41 of the pressure plate 36. The weight ofthe creasing assembly is thereby borne partly by the pivots 86 andpartly by the pin 88 resting on the pressure plate 36. The pressureplate therefore does not bear too heavily on the brush tips. Ininstances where more pressure is desired on the brush tips to secure anincreased moistening effect, weights 92 may be used, one or more ofwhich are secured to the frame 44 by the wing nuts 94. Two weights areshown, but the number may be increased or diminished to adjust thepressure on the brush as desired.

The use of the creasing assembly so far described is all that isnecessary to procure a substantially straight creased length of tapewhere the length is not too great or the tape is quite stiff. Ininstances where a longer piece of tape must be dispensed or a moreflexible tape is to be dispensed, a. tape support assembly is preferablyadded to the creasing assembly. As shown, this tape support assemblycomprises a U-shaped frame comprising side walls 102 and a transverseend 164. The latter preferably slopes upward and forward, as shown. Theframe 1% is pivoted on washers 105 on the pivots 86 inside of the endsof the pivots which are engaged by the brackets 70. The frame 100 isfree to turn on these pivots and is limited in its downward pivotalmovement by stop pins 166 carried by ears 108 projecting from the frameside members 102. The weight of the frame 100 is therefore carrieddirectly by the bracket plates 70 and is not added to the weight of thecreasing assembly which is partly borne by the pin 88 which rests on theflange 41 of the moistening couple pressure plate.

The inclined end wall 104 of the tape support assembly frame carries atape supporting guide in the form of a flat-bottomed V comprising a flatportion 110 fixed to the plate 104 and having upwardly and outwardlyprojecting ears 112, the rounded tips 114 of which are so placed as tosupport the V-shaped tape after it leaves the creasing rollers 60, 64.As the tape leaves the rollers, it does not directly contact the tips114 but as the strip of tape being delivered increases in length, itwill drop slightly so that it may contact the tips. These Will supportthe tape until a full length as desired has been dispensed. This isuseful where the tape is rather flexible or Where a very long tape upto, say, four or more feet may be projected.

FIGS. 1 to 6 show the complete organization of a creasing and dispensingassembly carried by the dispenser, including the creasing assemblyproper, on the tape support assembly. FIG. 8 shows how the tape supportassembly may be omitted where conditions do not require its use.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show how the creasing assembly or the creasing assemblycombined with the tape support assembly may be mounted directly upon thepressure plate of the moistening couple without the use of the mountingbracket assembly. This adds considerable weight upon the pressure plateand upon the brushes and is feasible only where the strip of tape whichis being dispensed is stiff and not too long.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown anddescribed in detail to illustrate the application of the inventiveprinciples, it will be understood that this invention may be embodiedotherwise Without departing from such principles as defined in theclaims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a tape dispenser having means for feeding a strip of gummed tapeover a tape moistening means including an inverted brush and a pressureplate adapted to press the tape against the brush, and a tape creasingattachment for creasing tape issuing from the dispenser between thepressure plate and brush, means for movahly mounting said tape creasingassembly, and operative connections between the tape creasing assemblyand the movable pressure plate for changing the position of the tapecreasing assembly to correspond with that of the pressure plate so thatproper alignment of the tape with the pressure plate will be maintained.

2. A construction as claimed in claim 1, in which the creasing assemblyis pivoted to a fixed support and operative connections are providedbetween the creasing assembly and the pressure plate for moving thecreasing assembly in accordance with movements of the pressure plate.

3. A construction as claimed in claim 1, in which the creasingattachment is supported by said pressure plate.

4. A tape dispenser comprising feed rolls and means for rotating thesame so as to advance tape passing between the rolls, a moistening unitlocated beyond the feed rolls through which the tape is passed, the feedrolls and moistening unit being carried in a frame, a mounting bracketassembly mounted on the dispenser frame comprising spaced bracket plateshaving outwardly and upwardly extending arms, a tape creasing unitcomprising a frame pivotally mounted between the arms, said frame havingmeans for engaging the pressure plate of the dispenser moistening unitso as to preserve alignment between the creasing unit and the path ofthe tape issuing from the moistening unit, said creasing unit includingrails for guiding the tape entering the creasing unit, creasing rollerscarried by said unit comprising a grooved roller engaging the undersideof the tape and a creasing roller having a V-shaped edge sectionengaging the upper side of the tape, and a tape supporting assemblycomprising a frame carried by the mountin bracket arms and having twospaced outwardly extending plates mounted on said frame having smoothupper guiding edges for engagement with the side sections of the tape soas to support the same and resist its tendency to sag upon leaving thecreasing unit.

5. In a tape dispenser including a tape dispenser housing, moisteningmeans in said tape dispenser housing, means in said housing for feedingtape into contact with said moistening means and beyond said moisteningmeans, and a tape creaser comprising a single pair of cooperatingrollers between which the tape is fed for creasing the tape, means formounting said tape creaser adjacent to said moistening means and in analigned position for the feeding of tape between said cooperatingrollers, the improvement, comprising a fixed plate support adjacent saidcreasing rollers acting with said creasing rollers to support thecreased tape in a position projecting out of said housing.

6. A tape dispenser according to claim 5, wherein said fixed platesupport comprises an upwardly extending plate portion on each side ofthe crease of said tape engaging the sides of said tape and guiding thetape in its projected path from said creasing roller set.

7. A tape dispensing machine comprising moistening means, means forfeeding a seletced length of tape over said moistening means, a singleset of cooperative rollers disposed adjacent said moistening means,means for loeating said rollers in a position to receive the length oftape therebetween as it is fed, one of said rollers having a groove andthe other of said rollers having its periphery extending into the grooveof said one of said rollers to cause creasing of the tape as it is fedbetween said rollers, and afixed plate support adjacent said roller setand lo cated to engage and support the creased tape along with saidroller set in a position at which the tape projects outwardly from saidroller set in a direction away from said moistening means 8. A tapedispensing machine comprising moistening means, means for feeding aselected length of tape over said moistening means, a single set ofcooperative rollers disposed adjacent said moistening means, means forlocating said rollers in a position to receive the length of tapetherebetween as it is fed, one of said rollers having a groove and theother of said rollers having its periphery extending into the groove ofsaid one of said rollers to cause creasing of the tape along ahorizontal crease line as it is fed between said rollers, and a fixedplate support adjacent said creasing rollers including a plate elementon each side of the crease line of said tape contacting and supportingsaid tape along with said roller set in a position at which the tapeprojects outwardly from said roller set in a direction away from saidmoistening means.

9. A tape dispensing machine comprising moistening means, means forfeeding a selected length of tape over said moistening means, a singleset of cooperative rollers disposed adjacent said moistening means,means for 10- eating said rollers in a position to receive the length oftape therebetween as it is fed, one of said rollers having a groove andthe other of said rollers having its periphery extending into the grooveof said one of said rollers to cause creasing of the tape as it is fedbetween said rollers, and a fixed plate support adjacent said creasingrollers including a plate element on each side of the creased line ofsaid tape contacting and supporting said tape along with said roller setin a position at which the tape projects outwardly from said roller setin a direction away from said moistening means, a housing for saidmoistening and said feeding means, and a mounting bracket connected tosaid housing and extending outwardly therefrom and supporting saidroller set and said fixed plate support in an aligned position inrespect to said moistening means to receive the tape which is fed oversaid moistening means.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,224,309 12/1965 Nash 118-44 X1,766,239 6/1930 Zurndorf ll832 2,382,787 8/1945 Gautier et a1. 11841 X2,626,588 1/1953 Klug 11-8-41 2,649,890 8/1953 Dunlap et al. 1l8-40 XCHARLES A. WILLMUTH, Primary Examiner.

L. G. MACHLIN, Examiner.

